CTA awards two Red Line station contracts

The CTA Board approved the award of two contracts for the Wilson and 95th/Dan Ryan stations, projects that will replace and expand existing stations and provide customers with a convenient, 21st Century transit experience.

"The Red Line is the backbone of the CTA rail system, carrying nearly 40 percent of all rail rides," said CTA President Forrest Claypool. "These investments will benefit not only the thousands of customers who use them each day, but also the surrounding communities."

The board approved the award of both the $153.6-million construction contract for the Wilson station reconstruction project and a $23.1-million contract for the initial foundation and retaining wall work for the 95th/Dan Ryan station to Walsh/2-in-1 Joint Venture, which was selected for both projects following separate bidding processes.

The $203-million Wilson project will replace the badly deteriorated station house, built in 1923, with a new, modern and accessible station that will also serve as a new transfer point between Red and Purple Line service. Project work also includes the reconstruction of 2,200 feet of century-old elevated tracks, signals and supporting infrastructure that will be relocated from the street and sidewalks along Broadway and Wilson to the west to create a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment. This station work will be performed within the footprint of the existing station, which is located in the Uptown Square Historic District and with minimal impact to 24/7 rail service. Work is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2014.

The new $240-million 95th Street/Dan Ryan station project will replace and expand the existing structure, built in 1969. The station sees 20,000 customers on an average weekday and serves as both the southern terminal of the Red Line and as a bus terminal for more than 1,000 weekday CTA and Pace bus trips. The construction will replace the existing, cramped station with two station buildings, one north and one south of 95th Street. Work is expected to begin in fall 2014.